ORCHARDTHEATRETORECEIVE£244,576SUPPORTFUNDINGFROMTHEGOVERNMENT’S£1.57bnCULTURALRECOVERYFUND
ORCHARD THEATRE TO RECEIVE £244,576 SUPPORT FUNDING FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S £1.57BN CULTURAL RECOVERY FUND By Jamie Leadbeatter
Lorna Strawson, Theatre Director at The Orchard Theatre said: “We’re delighted to receive this funding which will play a vital role in supporting the venue through this very difficult period. The money provided today will help us to meet the costs of maintaining the building through the closure period; will stabilise our position at a time when no trading income is available to us; and will help to support our dedicated and skilled team. We are grateful that the DCMS has recognised the The Orchard Theatre has received a total of £244,576 important contribution we make; and would also in grant funding from the Department of Media, like to thank our local authority partners who have Culture & Sport’s (DCMS) £1.57bn Cultural Recovery been helpful and supportive throughout. Fund. Like all cultural venues, we believe we have an The fund, which was set up and announced by the important role to play in supporting the wider government in July, makes urgent support available recovery. The economic impact of our usual for cultural organisations that were financially activities stretches far and wide; sustaining stable before the COVID-19 pandemic. Money has businesses across the local area. been provided from central government via the DCMS - and the fund was administered by Arts Crucially, this money is provided to assist us through to reopening when the situation improves – and we Council England. can’t wait to be able to welcome back our wonderful A total of 1385 organisations around the UK will audiences when we are able to do so.” benefit from grant awards announced today. Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council In line with other venues and cultural buildings The said: Orchard Theatre has remained closed since March as a result of government restrictions imposed to “The Orchard asked for our support in its bid to protect public health. Performances at The Orchard Government and of course we were delighted to Theatre are suspended through January 31st 2021, offer it unconditionally. The arts and culture are not although opportunities to re-open parts of the a luxury as we emerge from COVID. They will be a building or to plan socially distant performances are core part of re-establishing Britain’s economy and cultural reputation. I’m delighted to hear this news.” being kept under review. Whilst socially distanced performances are now permitted under current guidelines most theatres, For further information, please contact Chris concert halls and live entertainment venues are McGuigan, Group Director of Marketing & Sales, HQ finding it impossible to reopen whilst social- Theatres: cmcguigan@qdosentertainment.co.uk distancing restrictions remain in place.
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